Saturday, January 05, 2013

2012 NFL playoffs: Wildcard

Cincinnati Bengals (+4 ½) at Houston Texans: In a rematch of
last season’s wildcard game (won by Houston), this game feature two teams going
in opposite directions. The Bengals won 7 of their final 8 regular season games,
whereas the Texans lost three of their final four contests (and looked awful in
doing so), including their final two. A win in either of their final two games
would have given Houston a first round bye.

Second year Bengals players Andy Dalton and AJ Green have
become the most prolific quarterback/wide receiver duo in an inaugural two
season span. Dalton will definitely have his work cut out for him as he tries
to evade Texans’ standout DE J.J. Watt, who led the NFL in sacks with 20.5. The
Bengals will also have to rely heavily on the pass since their leading rusher,
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, will find it difficult to gain yardage against the NFL’s
seventh ranked run defense.

Texans QB Matt Schaub was outstanding the first 12 games of
the season but really struggled in those aforementioned final four games where
he threw only one TD pass with three INTs. It doesn’t help that here he faces
the seventh ranked defensive unit against the pass. RB Arian Foster, who was
sixth in the NFL in rush yards, will be expected to put forth a 100+ yard
effort, something he’s only done once in the past five games.

Overall these teams seem pretty even, which is why I believe
home field will be the difference.

Houston 23 Cincinnati 20

Minnesota Vikings (+7 ½ ) at Green Bay Packers: The popular
talking point regarding this game is how the Vikings (a predominately indoor
team) will not be able to function in the frigid conditions of Lambeau Field
and the Packers will roll as a result. But answer this: what kind of offense
can function better in treacherous conditions, a top tier run game or potent
passing game? I would definitely take my chances with the run, especially with Adrian
Peterson, who is statistically the best running back in the NFL over the past six
seasons. AP’s 2,097 rush yards a year removed from tearing two ligaments in his
left knee may be the most impressive offensive display in NFL history.

While the Vikings have been able to escape any serious
injuries throughout the regular season, they have some question marks coming in
to this game. The quarterback of their secondary, DB Antoine Winfield,
irritated his injured right hand on Sunday and his status is questionable for
this game. Also, stellar rookie Safety Harrison Smith has been limited in practice
due to a knee injury as well as a stinger suffered in the regular season finale
against the Packers. On the offensive side, QB Christian Ponder, who had one of
the finest games of his career last Sunday when it counted most, has been
plagued with a sore elbow on his throwing arm.

On the flip side, the Packers seem to be getting healthier.
CB Charles Woodson was a full participant in practice this past week and
appears good to go for this game. Also, WR Randall Cobb is expected to play,
which should give Green Bay their full complement of receivers for the first
time in a while. Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings have also battled various
injuries throughout the season but are now healthy and ready for this week. And
if all that doesn’t present enough of a challenge for the Vikes defense, RB DuJuan
Harris has given the Pack a formidable run option.

While the Vikings’ defense registered 5 sacks of QB Aaron
Rodgers last Sunday, they still surrendered 365 yards passing. Even if Winfield
and Smith are able to go for the Vikes, Rodgers has pretty much all of his
weapons in play. Also, history isn’t on Minnesota’s side, as the Packers have
never lost consecutive playoff games at home in franchise history (the Pack’s
2011 season ended with a home playoff loss to the NY Giants). As is usually the
case, the Vikings will need to stay close so their running game can be a
factor. That said, game time temperatures will be in the teens with a 30%
chance of scattered flurries. That doesn’t appear to be much of an inhibitor to
Green Bay’s potent passing attack.

Green Bay 31 Minnesota 21

Indianapolis Colts (+7) at Baltimore Ravens: Ravens all pro LB
(and future Hall of Famer) Ray Lewis announced this past week that he will
retire after this his 17th season. The Colts, 11-5 this year after a
2-14 campaign in 2011, are a terrific story. Rookie QB Andrew Luck has been all
they have hoped for in replacing the legendary Peyton Manning. However, I think
the Ravens will ride the wave of emotion of their fearless leader moving on at
the end of this season and win this contest. Beyond that, who knows?

Ravens 28 Colts 20

Seattle Seahawks (-2 ½ ) at Washington Redskins: Both
Seattle and Washington feature stellar rush offenses (third and first in the
NFL, respectively) as well as stingy run defenses (tenth and fifth,
respectively). However, I think this game will be decided by the pass. The
Redskins rank near the bottom in pass yards allowed, so Seahawks rookie QB
Russell Wilson will have a good opportunity to put up solid numbers. Meanwhile,
that other rookie signal caller Robert Griffin III is quite formidable himself.
However, he’s facing a top tier defense which just got back CB Brandon Browner from
a four-game suspension for PEDs. He along with their other standout corner
Richard Sherman will give the Skins WRs fits all day. RGIII and the NFL’s
second leading rusher Alfred Morris will need to rack up a lot of rush yards in
order to win this game. In my opinion, I don’t believe it will be enough.

About Me

Christian. Husband. Conservative. Sports rube.
I host a weekly radio show Sundays from 2:00 pm until 3:00 Central Time on Twin Cities station AM 1280 The Patriot. You can also listen online at www.am1280thepatriot.com